WORKMEN have moved in as the countdown begins in earnest for the creation of Bolton Wanderers new stadium.

Earth moving equipment and contractors have been clearing the land during the past few days around the new pitch, which was laid earlier this year.

The stadium must be completed in time for Wanderers to kick off the 1997-98 league season in just over a year.

Signs bearing the name of Cheadle Hulme based building firm Birse have also gone up at the edge of the site. No one at Birse was available for comment.

And officials at the club said no comment can yet been made on who has won the prestigious contract to construct the replacement for Burnden Park.

A formal announcement is expected from the club during the next week.

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